1st XI:
After another long, cold winter, the Ripley 1st XI will finally get their season underway with a trip to Shepperton on Saturday in the Surrey County League Division One. The forecast isn’t looking great for the Coronation weekend, but the side will still be hoping for a strong start to a season where they are vying for a Coronation of their own.
Promotion must be the aim for a side that has made a few notable upgrades since 2022, including the Australian Braydon Pink, former 2nd XI captain Tom Clover and All Rounder Will Jenner, who will all bring a new young dynamic to the side.
Following their trip to Shepperton this weekend, Ripley will host Guildford City YP on May 13th and then travel to recently relegated Newdigate on the May 20th. 60 points will be the aim to get the season up and running, and the side can look back on good memories from last season against their first two opponents, getting one up over Shepperton in the home fixture last year, and completing the double over GCYP in 2022.
The R’s have had an injury crisis of sorts leading into this first encounter as Sam Woods and Alex Pound are both out of action with shoulder and foot issues respectively, leaving the club with no specialist wicketkeepers. But Tim Russell’s performance with the gloves in Monday’s preseason friendly against Woodpeckers has eased doubts regarding the lack of keeping options for now.
Captain George Geaves has overcome a knee injury to make the first XI of the season, and he will be opening up with veteran Batsman Jon Primmett in a partnership that has not been seen since 2021 when they dismantled a decent Woodmansterne attack. It will also be a big season for Toby Zapp, who will now have to take on the role as the Premier spin bowler in the side now Richard Talbot is not available to play, but with an impressive second half of the 2022 summer with the ball, there are no doubts he can impress again.
A huge season awaits for the boys in green and optimism around the club is high with both sides looking strong.
George Geaves 1st XI Captain

2nd XI:
After suffering the disappointment of relegation from the Surrey Championship last season, the reset button has been pressed and Ripley 2nd XI will be turning over a new leaf in a new league in 2023, in the Surrey County League Premier Division. With this comes a number of changes in personnel. Following Tom Clover’s promotion to the first team, Malcolm Burt has taken on the captaincy after joining the club in the latter stages of last season, bringing with him 35 years experience of league cricket. He inherits a fine squad, with a blend of youth and experience. The side will be looking to solid starts from the opening pairing of Burt and John Grimsdale, with the middle order engine room made up from the likes of David Hughes, Steven Cliff and Richard Warne, while Gerrard Baker has forced his way into the squad following excellent batting performances in last week’s friendlies. On the bowling front, the experience of Matthew Cliff, Richard Zapp and Nad Rashid will be complemented by talented youngsters such as Max Hodgson and Sam Webber. While there is no regular 3rd XI this season, strong performances in Sunday games will be rewarded with opportunities in the 2nd XI so that the side draws on a broad talent pool throughout the season.
In a new league, with a new-look squad, it would be foolish to make rash predictions about promotion prospects at this stage. But, given a good start this weekend at home to Battersea Ironsides (weather permitting), there is every confidence that the side can make a strong challenge in the league, while giving everyone an enjoyable playing environment and providing opportunities to develop the talents of the club’s best young players.
Malcolm Burt 2nd XI Captain